EDPS concerned amended Europol Regulation weakens data protection rights

The European Data Protection Supervisor expressed concern the amended Europol Regulation will weaken data protection rights and not adequately oversee the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation. The amended regulation, which takes effect June 28, allows Europol, in certain cases, to process large datasets, “leading to a substantial increase in the volume of individuals’ personal data processed and stored by the Agency,” the EDPS said, adding the data of those with no link to criminal activity will be treated the same as those with an established link.